Modern vehicles are often equipped with more than a dozen onboard control modules and more than one hundred sensors. There’s no question that cars are highly computerized to make them more reliable, safer, and efficient than ever. However, issues can come up that cause your vehicle to operate in a way other than it was designed, and it requires specialized computer diagnostics to find the cause which leads to the correction.
At Xavier’s Auto Center, our ASE-certified technicians are specialists in computer diagnostics and repairs. Whether it’s a minor issue or a major problem, we can find the root cause and repair it quickly and cost-effectively.
What computer diagnostics do
Has a warning indicator illuminated on your dashboard? It’s a sign that something isn’t operating as it should be. There are several different areas that can cause a warning light:
- The Check Engine Light is a small, yellow engine-shaped light. When this comes on, it can be for many, many reasons. Computers that monitor the engine, transmission, and emissions systems will cause this light to illuminate.
- The ABS light is usually red. When it pops up, it’s telling you that there’s a problem with the anti-lock brakes, and it requires immediate attention.
- An airbag light is a yellow icon that looks like a car passenger with an airbag in front. When this light is on, it usually means there’s a fault that will prevent one or more airbags from deploying in a collision.
- The battery light, shaped like a car’s battery, comes on when the engine isn’t running or the charging system isn’t functioning as it should.
There are several other indicators that can come on including the oil pressure light, traction control light, and engine temperature light. If it’s either red or yellow, an illuminated dash light requires attention.
Computer diagnostics include a professional technician using a handheld computer to scan the onboard systems for faults. An illuminated warning indicator signals a fault code in one of the control modules. Using that information, the technician can isolate the faulty system, test its components, and trace the fault back to its cause.
Common computer-related problems
What causes a Check Engine light to come on, or any other warning light? There could be many reasons, but common failures include:
- Oxygen sensors
- Loose fuel cap
- Mass airflow sensor
- Misfire
- Wheel speed sensor
- Airbag impact sensor
- Alternator
- Corroded or broken wire
- Poor connection
With literally hundreds of causes, a professional computer diagnostic is the most reliable way to isolate the problem and get it repaired.
How Xavier’s Auto Center can help
In Philly and the surrounding area, Xavier’s Auto Center is a top choice for high-quality computer diagnostic services. Our technicians work on a wide range of makes and models using professional-grade diagnostic equipment.
Our knowledgeable team will walk you through the process to a complete repair including an explanation of the charges. We use quality OEM and aftermarket parts to ensure long-lasting repairs, backed by our 24-month/24k-mile warranty.